Senator Imee Marcos said the government should go “all heart, all out” in funding the fight against COVID-19, calling an emergency budget to be taken up in a special session of Congress on Monday the most crucial investment in our country’s future.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on economic affairs, has drawn up an emergency package of almost 750 billion pesos called Pag-ASA: Alaga, Sustento at Pag-Angat, which seeks immediate and sustained protection of health workers, provision of food and cash aid for marginalized communities, and stimulus packages to badly hit industries employing millions of workers.

Marcos will pitch the Pag-ASA emergency package in a Senate bill on Monday, fearing public panic may ensue in coming months if the government’s proposed emergency budget of only P200 billion is approved.

Possible sources of the first P300 billion of the Pag-ASA emergency package can be squeezed from funds left over from the 2019 budget; calamity funds in the 2020 budget; intelligence and social funds of the Office of the President; PhilHealth’s emergency reserve fund; and contingency funds from the departments of education, agriculture, labor and employment, social welfare and development, and public works and highways, Marcos said.

Marcos added that the government can take advantage of the recent upgrades in its investment ratings and the prevailing low interest rates of close to 0% to borrow funds of up to P440 billion, an amount still within a manageable debt cap of 5.4% from the present 3.2%.

Marcos warned that local government units(LGUs) are likely to run out of funds in the next two weeks but added that they should be able to download funds directly from the national government, in accordance with Section 87 of the General Appropriations Act.

A lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19 has slowed down Metro Manila’s food supply from agricultural producers all over Luzon, with checkpoints set up to support the social-distancing measures imposed by the government.

The daily income of wage earners and monthly salaries of the middle-class have been disrupted by the lockdown, with the possibility of lay-offs looming large in the export, travel and tourism sectors most affected by the global health crisis.

Marcos added that the Department of Health has not yet been able to predict when cases of COVID-19 infection will peak, so the government must provide a budget responsive to health and food security in case the ongoing lockdown is extended beyond April 12.

The lockdown may also be replicated in other parts of the country, if the spread of COVID-19 worsens, Marcos also said. (30)

Mayor ISKO MORENO threaded an impoverished area in Manila while growing up. As the elected City Mayor of Manila, more popularly known to Filipinos as Yorme, he never wavered amidst adversities hurled at him for taking several steps in making a better version of the city he fondly calls his home and crowning glory. Bold and fearless, Yorme puts his heart and mind in anything he does - “Believe in yourself! You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Yorme recently signed Ordinance 8607 declaring the permanence of Arroceros Forest Park dubbed as the “Last lung of the City”, home to 61 tree varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants. The new ordinance forbids the cutting of trees and dumping of waste within the park. Part of his plan is to allocate P1 million solely for its preservation and maintenance away from urbanizationand all these efforts stem from his greater plan to make Manila a “Green City”.

Yorme firmly believes in the power of nature. It’s no secret that he advocates on using natural products. No wonder, early this year Yorme became the newest brand ambassador of NOVUHAIR, Nature’s Answer to Hair Loss.Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/udvLJKXesYE

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Golden Prince Hotel & Suites is now offering room accommodations for long staying guests at an affordable monthly rate.

Room package includes the Deluxe Room for only Php25,000 ++ ; Royal One Bedroom Suite at Php 35,000 ++ and the Royal Two Bedroom Suites at Php 60,000 ++ per month.

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Best regards,

We will triumph with the help of God who will trample down all our foes.(Psalm 108:14)

PlayLab is a new breed of playground developed primarily for kids 2-12 years of age. It is a permanent, indoor, interactive, digital playground that offers both physical and technology-based playing aids. This facility offers Cebuano families a new, unique bonding destination that is safe, wholesome, fun, and photogenic!

This digital hub enthuses kids to move, create, and interact with playground peers (parents and other kids) to increase the fun and learning. Their shared experiences become their own definition of technology-aided/ enhanced playground FUN!

There are fifteen (15) attractions not just create moments but also promote discovery, awareness and confirmation for the kids as they accomplish digital missions or creations.1. Tap ‘n Glow: “Create unique color and rhythm combination through touch-sensitive light modules, and watch your work illuminate the space.”

2. Quantum Space: “Create abstract art through movements, interaction and boundless imagination. Become part of an infinite cosmos, even for a fleeting moment.”

5. Body Paint: “Make your own virtual abstract painting by waving your hands. Be created on your virtual painting by doing bigger hand movements and play with the random splash of colors.

6. Gravity Ball: “These virtual balls in different sizes fall from above when you move. Try to catch or kick the ball on the ground and they will react accordingly. The more movements you make, the more balls that will fall. It’s like being in a shower of virtual ball pit!”7. Butterfly Garden: “Watch as your creations take flight in a visually-stunning world full of butterflies!”

8. World of Zodiacs: “Become one of the Zodiacs in this cool augmented-reality mirror that will surely delight and excite you!”9. Sand Box: “Dig through the sand and explore the hidden wonders of the Earth through augmented reality!” 10. Net Play: “Explore a colorful gigantic honeycomb like structure and climb on. Find your way up and discover the wonders on top.”

11. Light Brite: “Unleash your inner artist and create your very own light installation!”12. Poppin’ Pond: “Be one with nature as you slip and slide down the pond of fun!”13. LED Swings: “Experience innovation with the lighted swing.

14. Fantasy Waterflow :“Discover the fun when playing with water! Guide the water using pails, waterwheel, umbrellas or your own finger and see how the water splashes and flows around!”

15. Live Forest: “Help fill the forest with animals straight from the drawing board and to the screen!”Operating hours: 10am-9pm dailyEntrance Fees:Weekday (Monday to Friday): P200 per head for 2 hours, P100 for every succeeding hour or a fraction thereofWeekend (Saturday and Sunday): P250 per head for 2 hours, P100 for every succeeding hour or a fraction thereofPlayLab is also open to school tours and group tours and tied up with Gerry's Grill and Pancake House as their food providers.Eligible to play:Children 6 years old and above (without a guardian)Children below 6 years should be accompanied by a guardianContact numberContact no. (032) 232-7538 / 0998-5852311Here's our fun experience

Best regards,

We will triumph with the help of God who will trample down all our foes.(Psalm 108:14)

Armed with this year's timely and relevant thrust and theme, “Alignment. Communication. Teamwork,” together with the message “Interact. Innovate. Immerse.” — The Zontians of the Zonta Clubs of Cebu 1 & 2 spearheaded the 2020 District 17 Area 3 Meeting on February 21 to 23, 2020 at the jam-packed Lapu-Lapu 1, Bai Hotel, Cebu City.

Empowered and inspired women gathered to discuss the Club's continuing and short-term projects with the highlight on child marriage, violence against women and gender equality.

The 3-day event officially kickstarted with a sumptuous welcome dinner at the same venue with the theme: “Zontians: Zesty at 100” which wrapped-up Day 1.

On its second day, guests and participants were warmly welcomed with a beautiful, powerful and festive Sinulog Welcome by Benedicto College, then followed by the entry of the Zonta International and District Banners.

The opening ceremony was accentuated by a processional march by club presidents, past Area 3 Directors, past District Governors, Vice Area 3 Director, District 17 Area Directors (Areas #1,4,5,6), District 17 Treasurer, District 17 Governor, Area 3 Director, and Plenary Speaker who were escorted by The Honor Guards of University of San Jose-Recoletos, with accompanying music from Huni sa Abian.

The Philippine National Anthem and Invocation, and the Zonta Prayer and Song were performed by the Kenesis Duo. Then adding to the very impressive opening ceremony, a Thematic Prologue was presented, courtesy of Junjet Productions and Knapsack Dancers.

The District 17 Governor Teresa Lin sent a video recorded message , which was viewed by all the delegates; which was then followed by messages from Z. Primitiva “Baby” Perez-Sison, and Z. Anita Sanchez for the Zonta Foundation and Centennial Anniversary Endowment Campaign; Z. Minnie Yuvienco for the Thematic Message.

In her plenary speech, Professor Rhodora M. Bucoy, PhD., Chairperson, Philippine Commission on Women highlighted the topic: “Interacting, Innovating, Immersing in the UN Platform of Action for Women: Towards an Equal Future,” and addressed the societal hurdles that hinder women from being at par with men.

“Women should no longer be hidden figures. It's high time that we change social norms, practices and eliminate the stigma so equality between men and women could finally take effect in our society and we do so by changing the mindset of our young people especially boys and also men so that they will look up to women as partners rather than subordinates,” said Dr. Bucoy.

“Women, especially those who came from the lower class families, those marginalized ones, are entitled to have access to quality health services, rights at work and rights to work—the same with men,” she added.

The event proceeded with an open forum where attendees tackled relevant issues, asked questions and basically discussed about various causes that they support.

One of the highlights of Day 2 was the installation of Dr. Rhodora M. Bucoy, as the newest honorary member of the Zonta Clubs Cebu 1 & 2 due to her outstanding background and extraordinary works in women empowerment.

For her part, Area 3 Director Stella Bernabe acknowledged the strong leadership of the Over-all Chairpersons Z. Teresa Chan and Z. Petite Garcia Program Chair Z. Milagros “Mila” Espina, Z. Elsa Basubas and Z. Vivien Seno, “Funshop” Chairperson LourdesJereza, for their dedication, effort and contribution in making this Biennium 2018-2020 District 17 Area 3 Meeting a successful, productive and memorable event.

The hospitality and care extended to all the delegates by Z. Elena Young, Zonta Cebu 2 President Marilou Cañizares and Zonta Cebu 1 President Minnie Yuvienco were of five-star quality.

The afternoon of Saturday, Day 2, was full, with more important work that tested the delegates’ ability to unite towards a common goal, where the delegates did three workshops, given the moniker Funshop #1 (Interact), Funshop #2 (Innovate), Funshop#3 (Immerse), Indeed it was a unique activity.

But the fun did not end with the “funshop”. The Fellowship Dinner with the theme: “ZontiansGroovin! Through 100 Years ”was a party that was fueled by the Zonta spirit of camaraderie and that will remain in everyone’s memory for a long time.

The last Day, February 23, 2020, began with an early morning Mass and Memorial Service at the Sikatuna Function Room. Then the Zontians hied themselves off to the Safari Adventure Park for another kind of fun, memorable experience.

Old friends, new friends, Sister Zontians all ---- See you at the next conference, convention, and meeting!!!

Best regards,

We will triumph with the help of God who will trample down all our foes.(Psalm 108:14)